React: The Feminine Mystique at 50, will mark the
anniversary of Betty Friedan’s groundbreaking text by extracting
examples from the book to be used as the basis for student response. The
curators will select specific quotes, objects, advertisements and
articles referenced in Friedan’s text to demonstrate Friendan’s
perspective. Her reaction to the world of 1950s America – through
material and societal culture – built the foundation for her argument
against the patriarchal society in which she lived.

This exhibition seeks to explore Friedan’s text from a contemporary
lens in an effort to both honor the text – argued by many to be the
catalyst of second-wave feminism in America – and to provide critical
analysis half a century after its publication.

Curated by Natalie Balthrop and
Deborah Engel, graduates of Parsons' Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design program.

A related symposium will take place Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23. For more information please visit the React: The Feminine Mystique at 50 blog.